If you’re dreaming of becoming a judge or cracking judicial services exams in India, choosing between the 3-year LLB and the 5-year LLB is one of the first big decisions you’ll face. Both routes can lead you to a successful legal career, but which one is better suited for judiciary preparation?
In this blog, we’ll break down the differences between 3-year and 5-year LLB programs, their structure, pros and cons, and which one offers a strategic advantage for cracking Judiciary Exams (PCS-J) in India.
What Are These Two Courses?
3-Year LLB
- For Graduates: You can pursue this after completing any bachelor’s degree (BA, B.Com, B.Sc, etc.).
- Law-Focused: Entire curriculum is centered on core law subjects.
- Ideal for: Students who decide to pursue law after graduation or as a career switch.
5-Year LLB
- After Class 12th: Direct entry into law school right after 12th.
- Integrated Course: Combines an undergraduate degree (like BA/BBA/B.Com) with LLB.
- Ideal for: Students who are clear from the start that they want to enter the legal profession.
Eligibility Comparison
|
Criteria |
3-Year LLB |
5-Year LLB |
|---|---|---|
|
Entry Requirement |
Graduate in any stream |
Must have completed 10+2 (12th standard) |
|
Minimum Marks |
45-50% in graduation |
45-50% in 12th (varies by category/institution) |
|
Entrance Exams |
DU LLB, BHU UET, MH CET Law, etc. |
CLAT, AILET, LSAT-India, etc. |
|
Duration |
3 Years |
5 Years |
|
Age Limit |
No age limit in most universities |
No age limit, but a few universities may differ |
Curriculum & Structure
|
Aspect |
3-Year LLB |
5-Year LLB |
|---|---|---|
|
Focus |
Pure law education |
General + law education |
|
Non-Law Subjects |
None |
Taught in first 2 years |
|
Law Subjects |
Start from Day 1 |
Usually begin from 3rd year |
|
Moot Courts/Internships |
Mostly in 2nd and 3rd years |
Spread across all 5 years |
|
Research Projects |
In final year |
Across all 5 years with interdisciplinary topics |
|
Practical Exposure |
Intensive in last two years |
Gradual and continuous throughout course |
Judiciary Preparation: Which One Helps More?
5-Year LLB: Early Start Advantage
- Time-saving: You start law immediately after 12th.
- Extra time to prepare: You can begin Judiciary preparation during your course itself.
- More exposure: More time with legal internships, moot courts, and legal research.
3-Year LLB: Mature Approach
- Focused: You’re clearer about your legal goals after graduation.
- Depth over duration: The course is intensive and strictly legal from the start.
- Better for late deciders: If you realize your interest in law later, this is the route.
Which Is Better for Judiciary Exam?
|
Factor |
Better Option |
Why? |
|---|---|---|
|
Early Start |
5-Year LLB |
Gives you 2 more years for prep |
|
Legal Subject Mastery |
Both (tie) |
Both cover all core law subjects (CPC, CrPC, IPC, Evidence, etc.) |
|
Age Advantage in Exam |
5-Year LLB |
You become eligible at a younger age |
|
Maturity in Approach |
3-Year LLB |
You enter with a graduate-level understanding of subjects |
|
Ideal for Career Shifters |
3-Year LLB |
Allows graduates to switch careers to law |
|
Long-Term Planning |
5-Year LLB |
Better for those clear from school itself |
Judiciary Exam Subjects Covered in Both Courses
Whether you choose 3-year or 5-year LLB, judiciary exams will require mastery of the following core legal subjects:
- Constitution of India
- Code of Civil Procedure (CPC)
- Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) (Now BNSS,2023)
- Indian Penal Code (IPC) (Now BNS,2023)
- Indian Evidence Act (Now BSA,2023)
- Contract Law
- Family Law
- Transfer of Property Act
- Limitation Act
- Specific Relief Act
- Interpretation of Statutes
Which One to Choose?
- Choose 5-Year LLB if:
- You’re confident about a legal/judiciary career after 12th.
- You want more time for competitive exam prep alongside college.
- You prefer an integrated degree with early legal exposure.
- Choose 3-Year LLB if:
- You decided on law after completing graduation.
- You want to switch careers or add legal knowledge to an existing qualification.
- You are more mature, focused, and ready to dive straight into legal studies.
Pro Tip for Judiciary Aspirants
No matter which course you choose, success in judiciary exams depends more on dedicated preparation, mock tests, previous year papers, and strong basics in law than on the course itself. Focus on building conceptual clarity and practicing answer writing early.
